Why NBC’s Chuck Should Get The Chop!

It’s that time of year again where those shows that are neither smash hits (Glee) or outright bombs (Melrose Place) have to play the network waiting game. Will they be renewed for another season – or cut loose? In the industry it’s called being ‘on the bubble’ and for show runners and cast and crew it’s a hellish time. The thumbs up mean another year of solid work, but a network ‘no’ means almost instant unemployment. Brutal.

This season there’s been several shows on the bubble – some of which have already been given good news, for a variety of reasons. NBC recently renewed Parenthood after a few episodes on the air – and the mark of confidence has helped the ratings stabilize and even grow a little. Likewise, Community will get a second shot in the fall, despite regularly bringing in less than 5 million viewers. But it’s a key component in NBC’s Thursday night line up so the network judged it worthy of another chance.

But as I type several key shows remain ‘on the bubble’. Personally I think V will be cut by ABC (expensive to make and it’s colossal ratings collapse clearly shows viewers aren’t interested), but Human Target has some second season potential, mainly due to the end of 24 and the fact that Fox has a lot of empty time slots in the fall. Life Unexpected on the CW could go either way, though my instinct is it will be a no. But the one ‘bubble’ show that everyone keeps debating (especially its army of fervent internet fans) is Chuck…

Now in case you’ve never seen Chuck – and I’ve only casually sampled it myself – the show airs on NBC on Monday nights at 8pm and is a tongue in cheek spy comedy starring Zachary Levi (who for some bizarre reason decided that doing Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 was a good big screen career move!). The show’s now coming to the end of its third season and once again its fate is up in the air – just as it was at the end of seasons 1 and 2. Because the fact is that however you spin it Chuck isn’t a hit. Last week it attracted under 6 million viewers and just a 2.1 share.

Now if Chuck was airing on CBS it would be a goner by now. But as has been widely reported NBC has been having a tough ratings year (the Jay Leno disaster, flop series like Mercy and Trauma, the continued decline of Heroes) so it has a lot of slots to fill and launching all new series would be hugely expensive and no guarantee of success. And a 2.1 while not great, isn’t awful. So there’s a decent chance Chuck will return in the fall. But while I don’t want to see people out of work, and hate to swing the ax myself I’m afraid I disagree. Chuck has had three strikes and so for me it’s out. Time to pull the plug!

Personally I just don’t understand why networks persevere with shows that, let’s be honest here, are never going to blossom into big hits. Time and again you hear people using the examples of a show like Cheers – which wasn’t a big hit when it first launched – but of course grew into a phenomenon. Or Beverly Hills 90210 which stumbled in season 1 – but then went on to last 9 more years, and reshaped the teen drama genre. But both those shows were over 20 years ago and I’d argue the TV landscape has changed massively since then. Just like movies, which are now all about the opening weekend, TV now is much more about splashy, expensive pilots (thanks in large part to Lost). Networks spend big bucks to film and promote a new series and in a way almost ‘buy’ a large audience for the premiere. But keeping that audience coming back for more is crucial – because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

For me that’s why V is an easy cancellation. Almost 14 million people tuned in for episode one. Now it’s down to less than 5 million. You do the math. Now how on earth is V ever going to get those viewers back? Simple answer – it can’t and it won’t.

Which brings me back to Chuck. This is a show that’s been on the air for three seasons now and still is only treading water. It’s safe to say that anyone who wanted to sample Chuck has given it a shot by now. Heck, NBC even get it a plum post Superbowl shot last year and it’s still not a hit. If NBC brings the show back what can they realistically expect – that suddenly millions of people are going to catch on to a show that’s in its fourth season. Let’s be blunt – it isn’t going to happen. In fact if Chuck does come back I guarantee it’ll be back on the bubble exactly one year from now.

Now I’m not trying to be harsh on Chuck’s legion of fans – but really guys – you need to know when to call it quits. I feel your pain. Last year I was a big fan of Lipstick Jungle, also on NBC, but when it got cancelled I learned to let go. As great as I thought the show was the figures spoke for themselves.

The fact is in this day and age hardly ever does a bubble show ever come back and hit the jackpot. Arrested Development fans whined and campaigned to get the show back on air but it was never more than a cult hit – and was never going to be anything else. Ditto Dollhouse, another ridiculous renewal that then became a Friday night fiasco for Fox last year (man, those ratings were ugly). And personally I’d be wary of Cougar Town, which even though its been renewed, I can’t see blossoming into a huge success – it’s just too acquired a taste – unlike the far more accessible Modern Family.

So that’s why I think it’s time to chuck Chuck – give the slot over to a new show that has a chance to become a smash – because after 3 years on the air Chuck simple isn’t a hit – and never will be one.

But what do you think? Are you a Chuck fan? Do you think it should get a second, second chance? (Or is it a third?) Please weigh in and share your thoughts… UPDATE:Chuck It Out Part Two

I agree that Chuck's ratings have not blown anyone's minds. However, I would like to make two reminders.

1. The first season of Chuck was very rudely interupted by the writers strike that has completely ruined so many great shows. I personally believe that for Chuck to have survived this strike at all is a sign of its strengths.

2. The special 3D post Super Bowl episode that cost so much money was delayed because of a surprise Presidental Speech, which single handedly wasted almost every cent NBC put into the advertisements. This is certainly not Chuck's fault.

I think the only reason the ratings are doing poorly are due to the high competition it has to go against, I think the ratings this season were due to starting it when primetime shows were beginning like 24, Dancing with the stars, House, you can't expect a show like Chuck thats newer to take away from the loyal fans that watch the other shows at the same time slot, now if they figured in DVR recordings for the show, I think the number would be much higher. Simply put this show would probably be a hit on any other day the monday night primetime

ok you say it has 5 million fans on nbc well i watch it on fox 8 and i think there would be way more the 5 million fans it airs once a week and i personaly cant wait for it to air its funny and witty and never predictable i love it

Pretty tough words for someone who has just dabbled in wwatching the show. Considering the strike,(second season) the time slot,(up against the silly dancing show as well as NFL), not to mention the moronic programing decisions made by those genius execs at NBC taking it off the air numerous times when it would just hit stride. Believe me those guys know what they have and my money says it is not going anywhere. Except hopefully a better time slot.

Chuck fans think flashmobs and classified ads are a good idea. They aren't rationale. I love Chuck and have been a devoted fan, but if lastnight's return to a darker tone, with the ridiculous Chuck and Sarah miscommunication is what we have to look forward to, then I'm ready to let go and remember the good times.

Glee absolutely sucks (imo). The singing is excellent and the story is worse than a soap opera. Chcuk is a very good entertaining hour of television and just because it isn't main stream like dancing with the stars (hahaha) doesn't mean its not a good show. I know i will be gutted if chuck goes i haven't cared about a tv show like this in ages. I watch the big bang theory and although its funny its very one dimensional around sheldon… I hope chuck comes back but if a great show like that (imo ) gets axed then it really shows how far gone television is.. I think i'll stick to sports.

I, and a lot of other techies I know, don't really watch tv as it airs anymore. Personally, I don't even own a tv. I love "Chuck" but I can only watch it online, and I bet lots of others do, too. (I try to watch the eps on Hulu so it "counts" rather than just downloading when I can… ironically enough, it's when I can't wait for an episode is when I'll just DL it.)

I wasn't into "Chuck" for the first pat of Season 3 because the writers basically made a mess of it, and at that point I was thinking getting cancelled might have been a good thing, but now that it's back to being the show I love, I have to say, it's not easy to get over. I look forward to and enjoy each episode more than many many other shows I've liked. It's just… infectious. I would be hard pressed to just "get over it."

"Now in case you’ve never seen Chuck – and I’ve only casually sampled it myself"

I'm not television critic or expert and I don't claim to be. However, I do know from personal experience, and I'm sure others will agree with me, it's difficult to really buy into a show you only "casually sample."

I think you should watch at least season 1 all the way through before forming your opinion.

I'm sure you'd ask for the same if someone else openly attacked a tv show you enjoyed without giving it a reasonable chance.

I think that Chuck has none NBC well. NBC's Biggest Loser is it's best reality show, but trails every reality show on CBS. It cannot compete against DWTS or American Idol. My point is NBC's reality shows are by 4 or more million. Their best rated scripted show is Law and Order SVU. It's lucky to average 8.5 Million. That does not compete with NCIS, The Mentalist, House or ABC's hit shows. NBC needs Chuck and other shows that can bring 5.5 million week after week. On new episodes Chuck is averaging 2.3 this season. Based on comparing that against other network shows, Chuck and some other shows on NBC might do much better on another network, not worse! I for one would like NBC move the shows around to different time slots and see what might happen. I for one wonders how Parenthood would do at 8:00 PM on Monday or L&O SVU at 8:00 PM on Tuesday. I don't believe NBC has any really big hits, and thus they need steady proformers before they can compete head to head.

Chuck is set on the 8:00 PM slot Monday evenings. It goes against "House:, "How I Met Your Mother", "Dancing With the $tars", whatever dribble de-jour ABC Family chooses to air and the CW's pop culture rotation. Don't forget the phenomenon of "Pawn Stars" with the amazing Chumly. It IS THE SECOND BEST SHOW in the slot behind "House" but there is too much the public likes in the same slot. Why do the networks kill off good shows by trying to kill each other off instead of moving around to the holes where there is garbage. That would allow viewers without DVRs get get hooked on more good shows. What's the matter with Hollywood small screeners? "Can't we all just get along"? LOL

A great show and lot of creative ideas that glue a person to the show every week. The biggest reason the rating are down for any show is several things. 1. internet! I can watch the show anytime I want without waiting a certian time shot that may complete with other favorate show at the same time or other things like jobs and other activity. 2. Cable and sitelight TV, too much surfing. 3. about almost 50% of the workforce now work during those hour that those shows are on, networks need to accommedate those people, we don't live a 9 to5 work schudule anymore. and 4. most people have better things to do than watch TV all day long like spend time with their familys and workout at the club and watch the kids sport event and music programs and help their kids with their homework. The solution for higher rating is the internet, most people are now on the net most of the time and that is where your audiance went to. People now don't read newspaper don't watch the main network news program because we can get the news anytime any place on the net and with more than one side of a opinion and that goes for TV programing to. The internet works for the modern time lifestyle and the network are behind the times.

the write seems to not realise that CHUCK airs against very tough compititon, and for it to pull the numbers it does against, House, Dancing With Has-Beens, Desperate Bachalors and CBS hit comdies, i say no, its not time to pull the plug on CHUCK.

While I m not a particularly big Chuck fan, the argument it will not be a huge hit therefore cancel it shows the author has no semblance of an understanding of how TV works. Every year there are 2-4 hit shows. That's it. Not 20 just 2-4, across ALL networks. What does that mean? Should everybody broadcast static when a show doesn't pull in a 4 on the demo?

NBC is probably the least watched network. A 2 against House, HIMYM, DWTS etc isn't too shabby FOR NBC. Plus it has hours of prime time to fill. No network will ever fill every single slot it has with absolute hits. And no network will automatically cancel average performers every year, networks actually prefer to build up some loyal viewers who can then be sold new shows. IMO Chuck will be renewed, mostly cause NBC programing wise is up shit creek without a paddle. They will probably tie Chuck in with whatever that new JJ Abrams show is called, make it a

spy themed night and see if it floats. If it doesn't they may cancel it next year but again that assumes some of the pilots under development will actually deliver ratings. There's no guarantees NBC won't be stuck with more traumas next year.

You've mentioned that if Chuck was on another network it would be a goner by now, but did you ever stop to consider that if it was on another network it might have been a hit straight off the bat in season 1?

NBC is consistently 4th or 5th in the network rankings, and doesn't really have any stand outs that draw huge audiences to the network. As a result it ends up airing a fantastic show, (and one of it's most consistent,) Chuck in one of the most competitive timeslots, against some of the highest rated shows on TV. Of course Chuck's ratings suffer!

To be honest, I agree with you that Chuck will never be a smash hit, but it is a critic and fan favorite, and deserves renewal. It's not about a second chance, it's about recognizing that Chuck is a consistent performer that has done NBC proud over the past 3 seasons, and will continue to do so in season 4.

What I don't understand is why shows that have fewer viewers being renewed when Chuck is still on the bubble. It's the only show i watch on NBC, If Chuck is cancelled then NBC just lost another household of viewers. and for those that don't watch the show but think it should be cancelled. watch every episode from start to end then we will see your attitude change as you too will become an avid Chuck fan.

SO, less than 5 million gets Community renewed, but slightly less than 6 million and Chuck should be canceled? I just don't see the logic in this.

As far as V is concerned….maybe it was showing the first 4 episodes in the fall, and then not showing it again until after the Olympics was over is what did it in. That long off, and people lost interest.

Now as far as "sampling" Chuck, watching one or 2 episodes isn't really a fair representation of it. The show has many ongoing story lines, and if you miss one episode, well likely you will be wondering what is going on.

Personally half of the shows they are taking off the air, are the ones I watch. I like Trauma and Mercy, thought they were pretty good. Miami Medical is great as well…just wonder how long it is going to take them to team up the cast of CSI Miami with Miami Medical. Both on the same network, and both done by the same guy, it is only a matter of time.

One show I love that is new this year, and I hope it is going to continue is The Bridge. Fantastic show!!

I like "Chuck" I am a new watcher to it. I just watched season one and two while watching the new season. This season has its good points with chuck and sarah together but the rest of the show is off camber. It is a show that i can watch with my family and be safe. If they move the time slot i think it would make a difference. I never watched anything on monday 7 central until I discovered chuck. I hope they bring it back!!

Chuck is of the few programs that the whole family can enjoy. It is funny, clever and very entertaining in the old Get Smart tradition. Let's save Chuck please? Why can NBC give it a shot. The network is in bad shape and original programming like Chuck is rare on NBC. An alternative would be to put it on USA with Burn Notice, In Plain Sight and Royal Pains. I'd follow it there without a problem since most of the 1 hr dramas we watch as a family are there. Are you getting the picture NBC?

But then you like Lipstick Jungle, so really, how much can one trust your opinion??? Honestly, Chuck has a lot more to offer than horrible acting, a woman power show 'm all for, but completely relegating men to the side-lines, unrelenting whining… At least Chuck is different, the concept is a lot more novel than shows like The Despos… How does that even pull in ppl?!

I guess what defines a "hit"? Making $$$$? Not all shows are "hits". Never has been or will be.

If a show is making some $$ why not let it run? As you state it's not aweful in the ratings. What is the ratio of hits to defined "failures"? 5%? 2%? Can't be much more? I say if a show is selling to advertisers and has a decent rating then let it run. I bet it costs more to experiement with a new show than to run the current one in production!

You write: "Now I’m not trying to be harsh on Chuck’s legion of fans – but really guys – you need to know when to call it quits. I feel your pain. Last year I was a big fan of Lipstick Jungle, also on NBC, but when it got cancelled I learned to let go."

Except that Chuck hasn't actually been cancelled yet, has it.

As you say with Lipstick Jungle: When it GOT cancelled, you learned to let it go.

You seem to think that you having an opinion constitutes an equivalent to actually being cancelled.

Whether it does get cancelled or not, I'd say Chuck fans seem to know just fine when the right time is to let go: When the show actually GETS cancelled. Not before, which would be a little ridiculous.

I am a big fan of Chuck. I think that there are still stories to tell about these characters and would really like to see a fourth season. The show is not perfect; I think the crew took a big risk this season—with the Brandon Routh story line—that had mixed results. The key for me is that I find myself grinning at the end of every episode and thinking, "That was really fun." And I enjoy rewatching the episodes again and again.

I didn't watch the first two seasons of Chuck. But heard about it and tried it and now I'm hooked. I've been watching season 1 and 2 through Netflix. With the availability of past seasons of shows on DVD, a viewing CAN catch up with a series in its 3rd+ season and become a fan. In fact, being able to watch several episodes in a row, without commercials, on DVD, really gets you interested in the characters. You don't have to wait an entire week to find out what will happen. So, now that I've found Chuck, I hope I don't lose him already. …"Casey, I think I'll miss you most of all."

I'm a huge fan of Chuck, but I completely agree with you that Chuck is probably never going to become a hit. I think NBC has some strategic reasons to keep it on for one more season and set a graceful end date for the show. (Chuck's fanbase isn't going away and consistency is probably something they need right now). Unlike Dollhouse and Arrested Devleopment, Chuck's ratings while not stellar have been consistently decent enough especially compared to the time slot NBC is putting it up against. So yes, eventually Chuck will go away, but I think it's got one more season to wrap up it's story lines.

You really think another show will do better than "Chuck" in that time slot? Really? Certain things have become established in the last several years, and one of them is that, for some reason, viewers flock to silly competition shows. Whether it be "The Biggest Loser", about people sweating and whining for 2 hours, "American Idol" where we get treated to weekly karaoke and an abusive judge who people love to hate, or "Dancing with the Stars", which shares the time slot of "Chuck". This last one is about 'B' and 'C' level stars dancing. But people probably feel emotionally invested because of their votes.

Now NBC can add yet another procedural series where the plots are about solving crimes (just how many are there on tv now?), which do pretty well. Or the network can recognize a strong fan base in a critically lauded show that is very different from any other on the networks. "Chuck" does fairly well in the ratings considering the competition now includes both network and basic cable shows. The television medium has dramatically changed, with shows going to DVD within months of the season ending, and being available to stream on the network's website and purchase on iTunes. If "Chuck" is canceled, I would like to see it on basic cable in the same time slot and see how NBC's new show does in comparison.

You say the network should start fresh. In doing so, they will have to not only overcome the viewers who are entrenched in the other networks' programming and the loss of angry "Chuck" fans. How do you think NBC will do?

The problem is the Nielsen ratings. What I understand from Aaron Barnhart of the KC Star and others, it is just not ratings. They do look at iTunes and Hulu. Also, Chuck has a large international following that also isn't represented in the "ratings". Based on that information, your ideas may be dated and wrong. I hope they are! It is truly the best hour of television in a week and I am sad you wrote this article.

u act act like 5 or 6 million fans are nothing while i love chuck ill admit its no where near rating wise to what it was its first season it still brings in decent numbers that and that deal with subway which means nbc is saving money on chuck should guarrante it a 4th season its a great show and i think another problem it wont have next year is going up agaist 24 which hopefully fox will put house in the 9pm time slot and put a new show in the 8pm slot so im sure if chuck comes back next year just not being on the same night as 24 will pull in a few more million viewers i think they should count how many views a show gets on line to

The ratings for "Chuck" may not be at the top of the list, but they are consistent, and based on Nielsen figures, growing (albeit slowly).

With the number of channels available, as well as other entertainment options, every show isn't going to be a 'hit'. And maybe if critics (like you) actually watch the shows (which you don't), they might give them more positive press to keep them alive.

The Office is a good recent example of a show building a large following season over season. Your point is still valid though, it is a rare occurrence.

I like Chuck, I hope it returns. The ratings aren't great, and while you are doubtless right it will never grow to hit levels, I think it is a solid enough performer for the ratings challenged network it is on. It might be a while before NBC has any smash hits, Chuck is like a placeholder keeping the network alive.

Wow – who knew one piece could generate quite so much interest! You Chuck fans sure are a committed bunch!

The argument I was making – and which I still stand by – is that Chuck simply isn’t a hit for NBC – so why stay with a show that isn’t doing well and quite simply will never blossom into a hit? Last night the show generated a puny 1.9 18-49 share and barely cleared 5 million viewers. Heck even Rules of Engagement is doing better. That’s gotta hurt!

I’ve read with interest many of the comments posted on the piece and though I don’t agree with all of them – I certainly admire the passion of the Chuck fans!